180 rebels pledge allegiance to gov’t

CONNER, Apayao -- Some 180 rebel returnees and supporters recently pledged allegiance to the government and renounced support to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), National Democratic Front (NDF), and the New People's Army (NPA) during a ceremony in this town.
    This was organized by the local government as part of government's  campaign to convince rebels to return to civilian life and end insurgency.
    The event headed by the local government under Mayor Martina Dang-oy was themed: "Rising from the darkest hour, embracing the new dawn."
    The former rebels received family food packs from the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development during the program.